System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

The following are the minimum supported specifications to install and run ObsidianOS:

  • Architecture:
    • x86_64-compatible CPU (64‑bit)
    • Note: ARM, RISC-V, and 32‑bit CPUs are not supported.
  • Memory (RAM):
    • Runtime: 512 MiB minimum to boot and operate
    • Image building with archiso: at least 16 GiB
    • Recommended when building: 32 GiB for faster builds and to avoid swapping
  • Storage: ~25 GiB total, allocated as:
    • / root: 5 GiB × 2 (for A/B partition layout)
    • /etc: 5 GiB
    • /var: 5 GiB
    • EFI System Partition (ESP): 512 MiB × 2 (for A/B ESP layout)
  • Firmware:
    • UEFI (EFI‑based motherboard/firmware) required
    • Legacy BIOS/CSM mode is not supported
  • Connectivity:
    • Active internet connection required during system image building

For a smoother installation and better day‑to‑day performance:

  • Architecture:
    • Modern multi‑core x86_64 CPU
  • Memory (RAM):
    • 2 GiB or more for general use
    • Higher amounts significantly improve build speeds
    • (If using the prebuilt image from the ArchISO and the included /etc/system.sfs, build RAM requirements can be ignored)
  • Storage:
    • 40 GiB or more to allow space for additional packages, logs, and user data
  • Firmware:
    • UEFI with Secure Boot disabled
      • Secure Boot may be supported in the future, but is currently untested/unsupported